A2 Statistics

Statistics

Level: AS and A2

Exam Board: AQA

Syllabus No: AS 5341/5381, A2 6341/6381

What will I study?

This course concentrates on the application of Statistics and the interpretation of results. For example how does the medical profession test the effectiveness of new drugs, how would an inspector test for underweight goods or how would you test for the strength of rope needed to hold a bungee jumper? Statistics is a completely separate subject from Mathematics and can be taken alongside the AS and A level Mathematics courses with beneficial results for both subjects. It provides a practical approach to the understanding of data analysis, and teaches the appropriate use of statistical tests and methods. It is a demanding course in terms of organisational, numerical and analytical skills but does not involve the level of algebraic rigour involved in the A level Mathematics course and as such is a more suitable option for many students.

How is this course assessed?

Although there is a good deal of practical work involved in the course there is no coursework element in the assessment. Three modules are taken for the AS level as follows:

AS LEVEL S3 (1 hr 30 mins) Jan; S1, S2 (1 hr 30 mins each) June All modules have equal weighting towards the final grade.

What next?

Statistics is a subject that has far-reaching practical applications in medicine, industry and commerce. To study Statistics as subject in its own right at University you need to study at least up to AS Mathematics as well. But more and more subjects at Higher Education level require coursework demanding data-handling skills and statistical analysis. It is an essential tool for those studying Medicine, Geography, Biology, Economics, Psychology and other Social Sciences, and for those wishing to pursue careers in Finance, Accountancy, Insurance, Risk Assessing, Quality Management and for all budding Business Tycoons!